Stripped Bare (Vegas Billionaire, #1)

by Heidi McLaughlin

[Romance Schmomance]

I'd say this book is a definite cross between contemporary and erotica, which isn't a bad thing, but I tend to stay away from erotica. Despite that little bit, I enjoyed this book so much, it'll definitely pull on your heart. I don't know about all that have read this one, but there were moments when I was on the verge of tears!

We have Macey, who got pregnant from a one-night hookup and the father never seen again. Being a single mother, working two jobs and living in a place where no child should grow up, she does what she can to provide for her daughter. Even working a job that completely despises her, but she'd do anything for her daughter. Willing to do anything, she doesn't miss out on an opportunity in the city of sin to gain enough money to get her and her daughter, Morgan, and make a better life for them.

Macey ends up making enough in a week to move into their own apartment, but with the intrigue of gambling to gain more money, she quickly learns that was her biggest mistake. Losing all that she made, she hits a new low. Looking up from defeat and possibly the worst moment in her life, she sees a blast from the past, someone from her hometown, Finn McCormick. Rich man extraordinaire!

Of course, Finn can have any woman at his beck and call. However, when he sees Macey at her worst, he can't help, but offer something that she couldn't refuse. To be his for a week and monetary payment if she follows through until the end of the week. Macey knows that it could end very badly especially since Finn is such a commitment-phobe and refuses to settle down for anyone.

Some aspects of this book I didn't like one bit and it's pretty evident that Macey did feel like a prostitute. Macey and Finn were ruled by sex and that's where the erotica part came in. It was non-stop between the two. As each chapter goes on, the story just builds and the emotions between the two are evolving. From the beginning, Macey was nearly head over heels, but she knew that she'd get her heart broken in the end. Finn, being such a man takes time to recognize his feelings, but what will happen by the end?

I rated this book 3.75 stars, I think if it didn't have the erotica sense to it, I would have been more than ok with it. My heart kept breaking for Macey and, my goodness, I still think she was such a strong woman in this one. The facts were laid right in front of her and she constantly tried to get herself out of it. But the heart what it wants.

A big secret is revealed towards the end, which is pretty predictable, but that just added another element to the story.

I wouldn't say this ranks among my favorites, but it's a likable read.

**ARC provided for an honest review**